Coral Street is a shore-entry reef and kelp forest site in Monterey, offering depths between 2 and 18 metres. The topography features rocky reef structures and dense kelp, suitable for beginner divers. Visibility typically ranges from 5 to 12 metres. Divers should be prepared for water temperatures between 12 and 14 degrees Celsius, making thick wetsuits or drysuits necessary. Hazards include boat traffic, entanglement in kelp, surge, and surf. Entry and exit require caution due to the shore break. Divers should monitor conditions closely, as moderate currents can develop, and it is advisable to plan dives around slack water.

Chase Reef is a kelp forest located 300 metres offshore in Monterey. The site features a wide depth range from 20 to 110 metres, with an average depth of 50 metres. Divers experience moderate currents and visibility ranging from 20 to 70 metres. The water temperature remains a constant 10C throughout the year, requiring appropriate thermal protection. Access is available via both shore and boat. Due to the presence of surge, swell, and boat traffic, this site is best suited for intermediate divers. Divers should remain vigilant regarding their position relative to the reef structure and monitor the surface for boat traffic before ascending.

Otter Cove is a shore-accessible kelp forest reef located in Monterey. This site is suitable for beginners, with depths ranging from 3 to 17 metres and an average depth of 12 metres. Divers can expect mild currents and visibility between 2 and 12 metres. Entry is from the shore, approximately 100 metres from the parking area. Due to the kelp forest environment, divers should be mindful of entanglement risks and ensure all gear is secured. Water temperatures remain consistently cool between 11 and 13 degrees Celsius, making a drysuit or thick wetsuit necessary for comfort during the typical 45-minute dive.

Lovers Point in Monterey is an east-facing cove featuring shallow rocky reefs and kelp forests. This shore-entry site is often sheltered from rough conditions, making it suitable for beginners. Divers can explore depths ranging from 2 to 21 metres, with an average depth of 10 metres. Visibility varies significantly from 3 to 40 metres. Hazards include cold water temperatures between 11 and 13C, surge, surf, rip currents, sea urchins, sharks, and potential entanglement in kelp. Facilities at the site include parking, toilets, showers, changing rooms, and a cafe, with equipment rental and dive shops available nearby. Night diving is permitted at this location.

Ballbuster is a pinnacle and reef site located 1000 metres offshore in Monterey. The topography features a large pinnacle rising from a depth of 32 metres to a shallowest point of 18 metres. This advanced dive site is accessible only by boat and is subject to strong currents, surge, and variable visibility ranging from 10 to 27 metres. Divers should be prepared for deep water conditions and potential boat traffic. Water temperatures remain cool throughout the year, typically between 10 and 13 degrees Celsius. The site is suited for experienced divers capable of managing challenging current and depth profiles.

Ballbuster is a deep pinnacle and reef system located 1073 metres off the coast of Monterey. The site features a kelp forest and reaches depths between 22 and 32 metres, with an average depth of 27 metres. Divers must access this site by boat. Conditions include strong currents, surge, and visibility ranging from 10 to 27 metres. Water temperatures remain between 11 and 13 degrees Celsius, necessitating appropriate thermal protection. Due to the depth and current, this site is suitable for advanced divers only. Species recorded around this area include California sea lions, ocean sunfish, Spanish shawls, harbour seals, and various nudibranchs.

Mac Abee Beach in Monterey is a shore-entry dive site featuring a combination of reef, kelp forest, and artificial reef structures. Divers can explore depths ranging from 3 to 15 metres, with an average depth of 8 metres. The site is suitable for beginners and typically experiences mild currents and visibility between 3 and 10 metres. Marine life frequently encountered includes harbour seals, Spanish shawls, branched dendronotids, scorpionfish, and ochre sea stars. Less common sightings include northern elephant seals, ocean sunfish, East Pacific red octopus, wrasses, and ling cod. Hazards to be aware of include boat traffic, potential entanglement in kelp, and surge.

Hidden Beach in Monterey offers a diverse underwater environment featuring natural reef, artificial reef sections, and kelp forest. Divers can explore depths ranging from 2 to 12 metres with visibility typically between 5 and 10 metres. The site is accessible via a shore entry, which requires careful timing due to surf and shore break conditions. With mild currents, it is suitable for beginners, though divers should remain vigilant regarding heavy boat traffic and use a surface marker buoy. Water temperatures remain cold, ranging from 11 to 13 degrees Celsius throughout the year, necessitating appropriate thermal protection.